Things That Go Away, by Beatrice Alemagna. I’m recommending this book for its beautiful artwork, clever design, and message. A message that I think is especially important for our young ones to hear during this difficult time.
Things go away. Things change. Things will not always be as they are. All except for one thing that will never change— love.
There is such an honesty to Beatrice Alemagna’s artwork. On the cover, we see this darling girl blowing the wishing seeds from a dandelion. And the ‘things that go away and change’ continue onto the end pages which also act as title page.
Turn the page, and you’ll find that there’s a wonderful surprise in this book. And I was! I was wonderfully surprised!
Alemagna lists things that will go away. Things such as: sleep, a wound (almost),dark thoughts, leaves, weather, fear, lice (luckily). The “lice (luckily)” made me laugh. But the surprise comes in the book’s unique addition of a velum page inserted in between each spread. On each one is a black graphic that we see change and disappear as we turn the page.
Here is the first spread in the book,
“In life,
many things go away.
They transform,
they pass by.”
and this one I thought was fun…
“Sleep always departs.”
and…
“Leaves fall,”
I find this book not only beautiful, but its hopeful message really lifted my heart. Don’t we all need to hear this now? That things will not always be this way, “They transform”.
I’m grateful that Beatrice Alemagna created this glorious book. I’m glad that I found it. And I’m excited to get to share it with you today.
“Eventually, everything passes,
moves on, or changes.
But one thing never goes away,
and never will.
Never.“
I agree. The message is timely and simply stated from the heart, the design is innovative, yet so organic to the book, and the art is so childlike, yet lovely and moving. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for visiting Picture Book Builders and taking the time to comment, Colleen!
So beautiful. Thanks for sharing this treasure.
It is lovely, thank you Shannon!
Thanks for sharing this one – looking forward to reading this book!
Good morning, Kim— Hope you enjoy the book!
What a concept and perfect for the theme! Thanks for bringing this one to our attention.
You’re welcome, Sue. It was a happy surprise for me and I hope you enjoy the book as well.
Oh my, I cannot wait to read this book!
I hope you like it, Debra. Thank you for visiting our blog today!
Clever and Gorgeous!
Hi Suzanne! It sure is!
Love that some publishers are occasionally willing to take on projects like this that have slightly more complicated production elements. The end product is so worth it!
Hi Cathy, it’s interesting that one of the major reviewers didn’t feel the vellum page was successful (other major reviewers gave the book stars— go figure). I think some pages did work better than others, but it was so unique and illustrative of the message of the book. And, yes, Yay to those publishers who take some creative risks!
beautiful and sparse -full of love and wisdom. Thanks for sharing and congrats!
A very lovely book, indeed. Thanks Danielle!
Simply Beautiful!
I agree, Terri! Thanks for visiting our blog today!
Brilliant, gorgeous, and timely. I am WOWED!
I’m glad you like it, Jilanne! Yes, it is a “Wow”! Thanks for stopping by today!
Oh, I love this! So simple and elegant. Thank you for highlighting it today.
Thank you, Vijaya, for visiting Picture Book Builders today!
Lovely book to share now and always! A special message for all of us to remember.
I absolutely agree, Joan. Thank you!
Aww! Such a delightful picture book! The sweet message is always a beautiful reminder. The sensational illustrations are truly unique.
Hi Suzy, it is a unique book. Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog and comment!
Ahh…such a tender book.
A lovely book, indeed, that has appeared at the perfect time. Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing the art and message of this timely book.
I am so taken by this. I can’t wait to see the whole book.
Very beautiful illustrations & the theme is wonderful.
Lovely! Thanks for sharing!
I’ll definitely add this to my list! The sentiment is lovely!
What a lovely message. Congratulations, Beatrice.
This looks like a lovely book! Thanks for sharing with us!